Aliens Out There in Other Worlds

 

On Sunday, April 23, 2023, I wrote an article entitled:

Are There Life Out There in the Universe?

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2023/04/

 Today, precisely one year later, I shall provide further reasons why I believe there may be other worlds than our own earth that harbours life. We shall also provide reasons against this belief.

An extension of this thought is based on the vastness of the universe containing some estimated 100 trillion, trillion other worlds out there. There is a very high statistical probability of other alien life or even advanced civilizations out there in the horrendous vastness of this universe.

There is no reason why other extra-civilizations would ever want to visit or communicate with us. Other far more advanced life and their civilizations may be in communication with each other as neighbours who are much nearer among themselves than with us. We are very remote and isolated foreigners to them with whom they have no dealings. This is one very strong possibility.

Another possibility is that we are yet to be a discovered species of life in a vast cosmic ocean. This is similar to many more undiscovered species of life here on Earth itself to scientists. So far scientists estimate there are around 8 to 10 million species of life here on Earth itself, and many more new species of life are yet to be discovered and named. So are we to other far more advanced civilizations out there who are yet to discover us. I personally think the existence of life in other worlds is so strong we cannot deny this. If we have studied and understand statistics, we would understand the term “chance” and “probabilities”.

I  shall summarize the reasons for easier reading for my gentle readers.

The question of whether life exists elsewhere in the universe is one of the most profound and intriguing mysteries humans have pondered for centuries. To address this question comprehensively, let's explore the possibilities and reasons both for and against the existence of life beyond Earth:

Possibilities:

1. Abundance of Planets: The universe is vast, with an estimated 100 trillion, trillion planets. With such a staggering number of worlds, the probability of at least some of them having conditions suitable for life is quite high.
2. Diversity of Environments: The universe offers an incredibly diverse range of environments, from icy moons to scorching exoplanets. Some of these environments may harbour conditions conducive to life, whether it's based on carbon like life on Earth or potentially other forms of life we haven't even imagined yet.
3. Extremophiles on Earth: Life on Earth has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, with organisms known as extremophiles thriving in extreme conditions such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, acidic hot springs, and even within rocks. This suggests that life could potentially exist in a wide range of environments, including those previously considered inhospitable.
4. Discovery of Exoplanets: The discovery of thousands of exoplanets in recent years, some of which are located within their star's habitable zone where conditions may be suitable for liquid water, has fuelled optimism about the possibility of finding extraterrestrial life.
5. Potential for Other Biochemistries: While life on Earth is based on carbon, it's conceivable that alternative forms of life could exist based on different chemistries, such as silicon, nitrogen, or even exotic elements. This broadens the potential range of environments where life could arise.

See this article:

Can Silicon-Based Life Exist in Another World?

 Scientific Logic: Search results for silicon life

Reasons Against:

As I have explained above, the chance is almost zero that earth is the only world that harbours life among some 100 trillion, trillion other worlds spread out into the immensity of the universe. In that case we need to give very slim reasons for our sole existence. Below would be some doubtful excuses.

1. Complexity of Life: While the universe may be teeming with planets, the emergence of life, especially complex life like that found on Earth, is a highly complex process that requires a delicate balance of environmental factors and evolutionary mechanisms. It's possible that the conditions necessary for complex life are rare.
2. Rare Earth Hypothesis: The Rare Earth Hypothesis suggests that Earth-like planets with the right conditions for complex life are exceedingly rare in the universe. Factors such as the stability of the planetary orbit, presence of a large moon, and the existence of plate tectonics may all play crucial roles in making Earth uniquely habitable.
3. Fermi Paradox: The Fermi Paradox raises the question of why, if the universe is so conducive to life, we haven't detected any signs of extraterrestrial civilizations yet. This paradox suggests that either intelligent life is extremely rare, or there are barriers preventing civilizations from communicating or colonizing the galaxy.
4. Challenges of Interstellar Travel: Even if life exists elsewhere in the universe, the vast distances between stars pose significant challenges for communication or travel between civilizations. This may limit our ability to detect or interact with extraterrestrial life.

In conclusion, while the vastness of the universe and the abundance of planets make it highly probable that life exists elsewhere, the emergence of complex life forms like those found on Earth may be rare. However, ongoing scientific exploration and advancements in technology continue to expand our understanding of the cosmos, offering hope that one day we may discover evidence of life beyond our own world.

Having explained that, I was often asked what about UFOs then? Aren't they aliens from another worlds? Let me try to answer.

Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) are objects or phenomena observed in the sky that defy conventional explanations. While some people speculate that UFOs could be evidence of extraterrestrial visitation, the reality is more complex.

Possible explanations for UFO sightings include:

1. Misidentifications: Many UFO sightings turn out to be misidentifications of natural phenomena, aircraft, weather balloons, drones, or other human-made objects. Human perception can be influenced by factors such as distance, lighting conditions, and psychological biases.
2. Experimental Aircraft: Some UFO sightings may involve secret military aircraft or experimental technology that is not publicly known. Governments often conduct tests of new aircraft in restricted airspace, leading to sightings that are unfamiliar to the public.
3. Atmospheric Phenomena: Natural atmospheric phenomena such as ball lightning, mirages, or unusual cloud formations can sometimes be mistaken for UFOs. Optical illusions caused by atmospheric refraction or temperature inversions can also create unusual visual effects.
4. Hoaxes and Misinformation: Not all reports of UFO sightings are genuine, and hoaxes or deliberate misinformation can contribute to the perception of UFO activity. This can include fabricated photographs or videos, as well as exaggerated or false eyewitness accounts.

While it's possible that some UFO sightings could be attributed to extraterrestrial visitors, there is currently no conclusive evidence to support this hypothesis. Scientists and researchers continue to investigate UFO reports using rigorous methods and evidence-based approaches. Until compelling evidence is presented, UFOs remain unidentified and open to various interpretations.